Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has come out strongly against the Wednesday nationwide Gen Z-led protests, describing them as the most violent and anarchic demonstrations Kenya has witnessed since the post-election crisis of 2007–2008.
Speaking at Kibwezi, Makueni county today, Kindiki delivered a stern warning, condemning the demonstrations that saw widespread chaos across major cities in the country.
“As a person who has been in politics for some time now, I want to tell you that what we witnessed yesterday was the most violent and anarchist day in the history of our country since the 2007/08 post-election violence,” said Kindiki.
The second in command regretted that the protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations escalated resulting in multiple deaths, looting, and the destruction of both public infrastructure and private businesses.
“It’s unfortunate that some young people lost their lives ,police stations were torched, weapons reportedly stolen, and several businesses left in ruins. It was unprecedented and unbelievable to country. Let’s love our country. We only have one Kenya ,” said the DP.
“It was shameful. The destruction of public and private property, wanton looting, and burning down of essential institutions cannot be justified under any right or freedom,” kindiki lamented.
While acknowledging the constitutional right to protest, Kindiki criticized certain religious and international voices who, in his words said they misguided the youth by encouraging them to take to the streets without adequate responsibility or restraint.
“There are churches that incited the young people to do what they wanted and told them that they had a right to exercise their rights. Today I want to ask those churches and religious leaders, is what we witnessed yesterday the kind of rights you were referring to?” questioned the the DP.
The former Interiors Cabinet Secretary also directed sharp criticism at unnamed diplomats and foreign envoys who had earlier expressed support for the youth led protests.
“I want to ask those envoys and political leaders whose statements incited our young people if what you saw yesterday is part of their constitutional rights ,” he posed.
Kindiki emphasized that while the government respects and upholds freedoms of speech, expression, and assembly, it would not permit the country to descend into chaos.
“We cannot allow our country to slide into anarchy, lawlessness, and chaos. We will do whatever it takes to protect our country and our people from sliding into mayhem,” said Kindiki.
He further noted that the government is committed to restoring order and bringing those responsible for the destruction to justice.
Kindiki’s remarks come amidst growing tension between the youths and the government where Gen Z protesters, mobilized largely through social media platforms like X galvanized public opposition to the Finance Bill, 2024 which proposed increased taxes.
